Treatment Overview
Ovarian stimulation protocol refers to the use of hormonal medications to provoke the ovaries to produce multiple mature follicles (eggs) in a controlled and predictable manner. Even in donor sperm cycles, the female partner or egg donor may undergo stimulation so more eggs can be retrieved, increasing the chance of fertilization with donor sperm. In Korea, fertility centers employ highly optimized stimulation regimens, real-time monitoring, and advanced lab support to balance maximal egg yield with safety.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of ovarian stimulation is to increase the number of mature eggs available for fertilization, thereby improving the chances of generating multiple high-quality embryos. The benefits include:
- Enhanced probability of fertilization and embryo creation using donor sperm
- Greater selection flexibility—more embryos to choose from and freeze
- Higher cumulative pregnancy chances when multiple transfer attempts are possible
- Efficiency in donor sperm usage (fewer cycles needed)
- Ability to synchronize with donor sperm availability and patient schedule
In Korea, stimulation protocols are refined using individualized dosing algorithms and monitoring systems to optimize outcomes and reduce risks.
Ideal Candidates
Ovarian stimulation is appropriate for:
- Women with normal ovarian reserve or acceptable reserve
- Egg donors participating in donor sperm IVF cycles
- Recipients in “own-egg” IVF cycles using donor sperm
- Patients with prior unstimulated cycles in which only one or no egg was obtained
- Individuals who can tolerate fertility medications and frequent monitoring
Patients must be evaluated for ovarian reserve (AMH, antral follicle count) before deciding on stimulation protocol.
Possible Risks & Complications
While ovarian stimulation is a standard part of IVF, it carries possible risks, including:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), particularly in high responders
- Discomfort, bloating, abdominal distension, and mild pain
- Risk of multiple gestation if multiple embryos are transferred or excessive eggs are fertilized
- Hormonal side effects such as mood swings, headaches, or breast tenderness
- Rare risk of ovarian torsion or bleeding from follicular puncture
- Emotional or financial stress if cycles need to be canceled or repeated
Korean fertility centers employ cautious dose adjustments, frequent monitoring, and preventative strategies to mitigate these risks.
Techniques & Methods Used
The ovarian stimulation protocols in Korea typically involve:
- Gonadotropin Injections (FSH, LH, or mixed gonadotropins): To stimulate multiple follicle growth
- GnRH Agonist or Antagonist Protocols: To prevent premature LH surge or ovulation
- Individualized Dosing Algorithms: Based on patient age, ovarian reserve, and prior response
- Frequent Monitoring: Ultrasound follicle tracking and hormone (estradiol, LH) assays
- Ovulation Triggering: Using hCG or GnRH agonist when follicles reach maturity
- Optimized Timing for Egg Retrieval: Usually 34–36 hours after trigger
- Use of “Mild Stimulation” or “Low-Dose” Protocols: In patients at risk of OHSS
- Adjunctive drugs (e.g. growth hormone, adjuvants): Occasionally used in specific cases
Korean clinics often utilize AI-aided algorithms to adjust medication doses mid-cycle, ensuring safety and optimizing outcomes.
Recovery & Aftercare
After stimulation and egg retrieval, aftercare includes:
- Rest and hydration for a day or two after retrieval
- Monitoring for signs of OHSS or complications
- Hormonal support (progesterone, estrogen) in preparation for embryo transfer
- Follow-up hormone levels and ultrasound checks
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Emotional support and counseling, especially in complex cycles
Korean fertility teams maintain close aftercare schedules and patient check-ins to ensure wellness and early detection of adverse effects.
Results & Longevity
- Stimulation protocols significantly increase the number of mature eggs, leading to more embryos and higher cumulative pregnancy rates
- Well-optimized stimulation maintains egg quality, avoiding over-stimulation that might compromise embryo quality
- With vitrification, surplus embryos from well-executed stimulation can be preserved long-term for future use
- Korean clinics’ consistency, lab standards, and monitoring help stabilize results across multiple cycles
- Outcomes remain robust over successive cycles when protocols are individualized and safety is prioritized
The longevity of success lies in good embryo cryopreservation and reproductive care continuity over years.
Treatment Process In Korea
Korean fertility centers follow a sophisticated, patient-centric stimulation schedule:
- Baseline assessment: hormone levels, ultrasound, ovarian reserve measures
- Protocol planning: selecting agonist, antagonist, or mild regime adjusted to patient profile
- Start injections: typically in early follicular phase, monitoring dose response
- Serial monitoring: ultrasounds and hormone assays every few days
- Adjustments: dosage tweaks using AI or clinician judgment as follicles mature
- Triggering ovulation: at optimal follicle size, scheduling egg retrieval
- Egg Retrieval: under sedation via transvaginal aspiration
- Fertilization: immediately with donor sperm (ICSI or conventional)
- Embryo culture and selection: subsequent steps in IVF program
Unique features in Korea:
- Use of AI dosing models and real-time feedback loops
- Precision lab and clinic coordination during stimulation
- Advanced safety protocols and monitoring for high-risk responders
- Smooth integration with donor sperm logistics and scheduling
- High clinic throughput with excellent infrastructure and patient support
These qualities make Korean ovarian stimulation protocols both cutting-edge and reliable.
Cost Range
Estimated costs for ovarian stimulation protocols in Korea include:
- Medication and monitoring alone: USD 1,500 – 4,000
- Full IVF cycle stimulation (with monitoring, retrieval, and lab work) in donor sperm programs: USD 7,000 – 12,000
- Advanced or high-risk protocols, adjunctive drugs, or extended monitoring may increase costs by USD 1,000 – 2,000
Clinics often bundle stimulation costs into the full IVF package, but additional monitoring or complex protocols may incur extra fees.
Popular Clinics
Leading fertility centers in Korea known for high-quality stimulation protocols and donor sperm programs include:
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul) — renowned for precision dosing and integrated IVF systems
- Maria Fertility Hospital — excellence in ovarian stimulation and donor IVF services
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital — full-service fertility center with international patient support
- GynART Reproductive Center — technology-driven fertility treatment protocols
- Seoul National University Hospital – Reproductive Medicine Division — academic and clinical leadership in stimulation research
